09/29/2025
Celebrating the Next Generation: OAPA Reveals 2025 Student Scholarship Winners
OAPA Scholarships celebrate the leadership and contributions of Ohio PA students while providing financial support for the next generation of PAs.
We are proud to announce the 5 winners of 2025 OAPA Scholarships!
The Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, from the OAPA Past Presidents Council, is awarded to one student who possesses the characteristics of what the Council envisions in a future leader within the profession.
The 2025 scholarship winner is Jaesson Lujan, PA-S, University of Mount Union.
Jaesson is a veteran and PA student at the University of Mount Union who is devoted to addressing healthcare gaps for underserved populations. His experiences have strengthened his resolve to ensure veterans and individuals without routine access to care receive the compassion and support they deserve. This commitment shapes Jaesson's education and future service within the profession.
"Receiving the OAPA Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship is a humbling honor and a meaningful recognition of my journey and goals. This award allows me to dedicate myself more fully to preparing for a career focused on serving veterans and individuals who lack consistent access to healthcare, ensuring that my training directly benefits the communities who need it most."
The Diversity Scholarship, awarded by the OAPA Diversity Committee, responds to the need for diversity in healthcare, which is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component of delivering quality, patient-centered care.
The 2025 scholarship winner Samuel Sarfo, PA-S, Ohio University.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, with roots in Ghana, West Africa, Samuel has long been drawn to exploring cultures through social studies and the humanities. He earned a degree in Neuroscience with a Nutrition minor from The Ohio State University, conducting clinical research on human health while serving as an Ambassador and Resident Advisor. His healthcare experience includes working as a Patient Care Assistant with pediatric patients. As a PA student, Samuel serves as a program ambassador and volunteers in environmental conservation and food pantries, guided by a commitment to thoughtful, compassionate, and attentive patient care.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to be awarded the OAPA Diversity Scholarship. This recognition affirms that my hard work and dedication have not been in vain. It also serves as a powerful motivation to continue striving for excellence and to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to everyone I have the privilege of serving."
The General Scholarships are awarded to select students who submit applications outlining why they chose the PA profession, what their future plans are as a PA, and what interests and activities they have outside the classroom.
The 2025 scholarship winners are:
Angelica Dunham, PA-S, Marietta College
Angelica is currently in her clinical year at Marietta College's PA Program. She is from Lorton, VA and completed her bachelor's degree in biology at The Pennsylvania State University. During her time as an undergrad, she worked as an EMT for a small Pennsylvania town, which uncovered her passion for providing care in underserved communities. It was here that she fell in love with treating patients, building connections, and giving back to her community, all of which she aspires to continue throughout her career as a PA.
"I am honored to have been chosen for the OAPA General Scholarship! This scholarship will help alleviate clinical year costs and enable me to attend PA conferences to gain valuable learning and networking opportunities."
Alyssa Elleman, PA-S, Miami University
Alyssa is a second year PA student at Miami University and has served as the AAPA student academy representative for her cohort. She received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Miami University in 2023. Alyssa has experience in various acute settings, including pediatric hospital care, and hopes to pursue a career in a pediatric subspecialty upon graduation. Until then, she is excited to continue expanding her knowledge and experience through clinical rotations.
"At every OAPA event I feel welcomed, mentored, and uplifted by the educated and insightful PAs that make up this community. Being a recipient of the General Scholarship feels like a manifestation of all of these same qualities, and I am so grateful."
Meghan Stubbs, PA-S, Cedarville University
Meghan is completing her clinical year at Cedarville University. Living with chronic illnesses herself, Meghan was inspired to pursue a career as a physician assistant and hopes to bring empathy and advocacy to healthcare. She is the AAPA Student Academic Representative for her cohort. Meghan is drawn to preventative medicine, especially the role it plays in overall health and empowering patients through education about how they can be thinking of their future health. Outside of her studies, Meghan shares her experiences on social media in hopes of raising awareness, connecting with others who have similar experiences and advocating for compassionate and patient-centered care. She also enjoys pilates and yoga.
"I am so grateful to have been selected for the OAPA General Scholarship. The OAPA inspires me to continue pursuing excellence throughout my clinical year and in my future practice!"
Our congratulations to Jaesson, Samuel, Angelica, Alyssa, and Meghan for their contributions to the Ohio PA student community!
These scholarship winners will be honored on stage at the 2025 OAPA Annual Conference on Friday, October 24.
The next round of OAPA Scholarships will open for application in summer 2026, and all eligible Ohio PA students are encouraged to apply. Find out more and see the list of recent winners on the student scholarship page.